Thursday, September 23, 2021

Review - - A Little Christmas Spirit & Birthday Giveaway #23

A Little Christmas Spirit
by Sheila Roberts
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Reviewed by PJ
 


Single mom Lexie Bell hopes to make this first Christmas in their new home special for her six-year-old son, Brock. Festive lights and homemade fudge, check. Friendly neighbors? Uh, no. The reclusive widower next door is more grinchy than nice. But maybe he just needs a reminder of what matters most. At least sharing some holiday cheer with him will distract her from her own lack of romance…


Stanley Mann lost his Christmas spirit when he lost his wife and he sees no point in looking for it. Until she shows up in his dreams and informs him it’s time to ditch his scroogey attitude. Stanley digs in his heels, but she’s determined to haunt him until he wakes up and rediscovers the joys of the season. He can start by being a little more neighborly to the single mom next door. In spite of his protests, he’s soon making snowmen and decorating Christmas trees. How will it all end?

Merrily, of course. A certain Christmas ghost is going to make sure of that!

PJ's Thoughts:

Reading Sheila Roberts' stand-alone Christmas books has became an annual tradition for me. The character-driven stories are filled with humor, emotion, kindness, and hope. In A Little Christmas Spirit, there's enough complexity to keep things interesting, a meddling ghost who elicited both laughter and tears, and happy endings of the romantic, family, and chosen family kind. 

I immediately liked and empathized with Lexi and her young son, Brock. I would have loved hanging out with them, baking cookies and having fun. I was cheering for both of them to find the right people to complete their family.

Stanley about broke my heart with his broken heart. I enjoyed reading the flashbacks of his relationship with his late wife. They were so poignant but also instrumental in helping him remember the joy they had shared. That's so often forgotten amidst grief. And then there were the ghostly visits. Some hilarious, some heart-tugging, all helping Stanley to move forward. And Brock. I loved Stanley's reluctant relationship with Brock. That little boy is hard to say no to and it made me so happy to watch Stanley's heart begin to open up to both mother and son even while his crusty outer layer remained intact. This Christmas Grinch was not going down easily.

If, like me, your idea of a good time on a cold December night is to curl up with a cozy blanket, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and a feel-good, Hallmark holiday movie, then you are going to love this book. I recommend adding it to your holiday reading list. 

~~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Sheila Roberts' Christmas novels?

Have you started your holiday reading yet?

What's your favorite beverage to sip while reading on cold winter nights?


Birthday Giveway #23:

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 25 will receive a book from PJ's book collection.

*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited




20 comments:

  1. Not yet. I usually don't start reading holiday stories until it starts getting cold. well, we went from 80+ to 59 today so it may just be time lol. I read mostly in bed at night so no eating or drinking while reading but if during the day it's either black coffee or red wine!

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  2. I haven't started holiday reading as yet since it is very warm. I sip a chai tea latte.

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  3. Holiday reading begins in November when the days are shorter. I drink a soothing lemon tea.

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  4. I have read some of Sheila's stories. Not quite ready for Christmas reading yet - probably in November.

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  5. This book sounds lovely. I added it to my wish list.

    I have read other books by Sheila. My favorite is Three Christmas Wishes.

    I usually don't start my Christmas reading until November. On cold nights I drink decaf coffee or tea.

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  6. I generally hold off on starting holiday reads until after Halloween — or the first sign of snow :)

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  7. I have read several Christmas anthologies so far this year. I read Christmas stories on and off during the year when I really need an emotional lift. And you have made this book sound like such a lovely story.

    I do not believe I have ever read a story by Ms Roberts. My bad.

    And I like hot chocolate....but I live in Texas and lots of time a tall glass of iced tea is a better idea.

    I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.

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  8. I like reading holiday stories all year long. I drink Earl Grey tea or hot chocolate!

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  9. Sheila Roberts writes wonderful holiday stories--"The Nine Lives of Christmas is a special favorite. Hot chocolate with a splash of vanilla is my favorite holiday reading beverage--starting soon.

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  10. I have read some Sheila Roberts novels and enjoyed them. Haven’t begun reading books set in holiday season. I love a small pot of tea when reading on a cold winter’s night, and when I really want a special hot drink, I choose apple and cranberry hot cider.

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  11. I love Shelia Roberts books! Yes I have started reading Christmas books. I needed to change my frame of mind and there is nothing better. I like either hot chocolate and hot tea to curl up with.

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  12. I love Sheila's holiday books. I have started my holiday reading. Hot chocolate or hot tea.

    denise

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  13. I've read Sheila Roberts stories but I don't recall reading her Christmas books. I love drinking hot cocoa on a cold night while curled up reading.

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  14. I’ve read many of her books. I read Christmas books all year long. Drink varies

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  15. No, I haven't read any of her Christmas books! This one looks like a good place to start. It sounds fantastic and I do love a ghost or two in books!

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  16. It's been a bit since I've read one of her books. I read a Christmas book a few weeks ago, but I haven't switched to mostly Christmas anthologies and novels like I usually do by Thanksgiving. As far as hot drinks for cold evenings go, I end up drinking tea most often, but for more decadent nights it's hot chocolate, maybe Mexican hot chocolate

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  17. I LOVE her books!!!! And I will read Christmas books all year long!!! And I drink water or my crystal light as I'm reading. .
    Good luck everyone

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  18. I enjoy her stories.
    I’ve read Christmas From the Heart and Merry Ex-mas. I have not read any seasonal stories so far this year.
    I prefer hot chocolate but as I grow older I have to avoid caffeine at night.

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  19. I normally start my holiday reading around Thanksgiving. Hot chocolate is my favorite

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